IndiGo Sues Mahindra Over Trademark Dispute on '6E' Branding

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has initiated a trademark infringement suit against Mahindra Electric Automobile in the Delhi High Court. The airline opposes Mahindra’s use of ‘6E’ for its upcoming electric car, Mahindra BE 6E, scheduled for a February 2025 launch, citing potential brand identity conflicts.

Trademark Conflict and Court Proceedings

• IndiGo’s Argument: The airline asserts ‘6E’ is a core component of its brand identity, used across services like 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and 6E Add-ons.
• Trademark Registration: IndiGo registered ‘6E Link’ in 2015, covering multiple classes such as advertising (Class 9), transport (Class 39), and printed materials (Class 16).
• Mahindra's Use: Mahindra recently secured approval to register ‘BE 6E’ under Class 12 for motor vehicles, which IndiGo claims could lead to consumer confusion.

Legal Developments

• The case, Interglobe Aviation vs. Mahindra Electric Automobile, was presented before Justice Amit Bansal, who recused himself. The matter is now set for a December 9 hearing.
• IndiGo's Legal Team: Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, with advocates from Ira Law, leads the airline’s defense.

Understanding Trademark Classes

Trademark classes categorise goods and services for registration. IndiGo argues Mahindra’s use of ‘6E’ in a separate category risks diluting its established brand identity.

This case underscores the importance of brand protection and raises critical questions about the overlap of trademark rights across industries.